Touring bus group backs Prop B tobacco tax hike

As officials with the American Cancer Society fielded questions and shared why they believe Missouri voters should approve a tobacco tax hike in November, a large anti-tax hike billboard circled the area.

The billboard portrayed Proposition B, which would increase the current tax from 17 cents to 90 cents on each pack of cigarettes, as a 760 percent increase.

But proponents of Prop B said while voters had turned back similar proposals in 2002 and 2006, the time is now to boost Missouri’s revenues while also helping support both K-12 and higher education.

“This measure saves lives and helps keep kids from starting to smoke,” said Misty Snodgrass, with the American Cancer Society and its school bus tour across Missouri.

Snodgrass and the school bus were in Kirksville at the Adair County Courthouse Friday morning for a scheduled rally in favor of Prop B. The event was advertised as having the support of Kirksville R-III School Board member Judy Duden.

And while Duden was unable to attend the event she spoke in favor of any increase in education funding.

“We have got to do everything possible to graduate these students from school college- and career-ready,” Duden said.

She stopped short of a wholesale endorsement, expressing a desire to ensure veterans funding was not impacted by the measure.

“I’m in favor of providing anything we can for our children as they are our future,” Duden said.

Snodgrass said the Kirksville community could see an immediate positive fiscal impact with millions in additional revenue for its schools.

She said the Kirksville R-III would see an additional $401,000 in revenue while Truman State would receive nearly $4 million, based on funding formulas.

According to the measure language, the about $350 million would be earmarked with about 50 percent for K-12 education, 30 percent for higher education and 20 percent for smoking cessation programs.